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Am I too old to learn?
- Thread starter 509BeeRbeLLy
- Start date
I'm going to give you just a word of caution here.
I'm 50 and I got back into bass about 2 years ago. I had past experience, playing in a part time club band about 18 years ago. I had no problem getting my chops back. I worked with a teacher for my first year back to bring back my theory. This last year I've been getting my timing back and improving my technique.
The biggest problem I'm having is finding other musicians in my age group to play with that will tolerate the fact that I don't have 20 years of experience behind me. When I investigate opportunities, they expect me to know a 100 songs or for me to pick up a song in 5 minutes.
I'll eventually land somewhere but I gotta tell you its hard to compete with kids half my age that have 10 solid years of experience behind them.
I'm 50 and I got back into bass about 2 years ago. I had past experience, playing in a part time club band about 18 years ago. I had no problem getting my chops back. I worked with a teacher for my first year back to bring back my theory. This last year I've been getting my timing back and improving my technique.
The biggest problem I'm having is finding other musicians in my age group to play with that will tolerate the fact that I don't have 20 years of experience behind me. When I investigate opportunities, they expect me to know a 100 songs or for me to pick up a song in 5 minutes.
I'll eventually land somewhere but I gotta tell you its hard to compete with kids half my age that have 10 solid years of experience behind them.
I've encountered problems due to lack of experience, too. I had to work twice as hard to prove myself, because I didn't (still don't compared to many) have a catalog of songs I already knew. I had to (still do) work hard on being able to jam, being able to pick up on a song without knowing it.
's the only way 'round that, to be honest. I'm lucky that there are a lot of older players around here, and that this area has a very tolerant attitude, for the most part, towards musicians in my situation. Very, very, very lucky.
Cherie
I played for a few years in my late teens, quit then started again when I was 45.
I'm glad I got back into it, playing in a church praise band is the best type of situation for me.
I have some physical troubles (carpel tunnel and nerve damage from factory work) that slow me down. But I keep it simple and try not to over do it and I'm ok.
So by all means go for it if only for your own satisfaction. Jam with your son, try some band type situations most of all have fun and learn.
I'm glad I got back into it, playing in a church praise band is the best type of situation for me.
I have some physical troubles (carpel tunnel and nerve damage from factory work) that slow me down. But I keep it simple and try not to over do it and I'm ok.
So by all means go for it if only for your own satisfaction. Jam with your son, try some band type situations most of all have fun and learn.
Where can one view or hear those "researched and proven facts"? We don't all agree on TB about what attributes of bass playing and musicianship get the highest marks, yet we're supposed to subscribe to some undisclosed studies and trust that their results present us with undisputed "proven facts"?
What skills are you referring to? Sure, I'll give you the fact that, athletically speaking, our bodies are at their physical "peaks" early-on in life and I'll also give you the fact that memory retention *might* be an issue later in life. That said, someone who has lived 40+ years has very likely listened to and absorbed quite a bit more music than a teenager. Of course, this will vary from person to person but I think it's a safe bet to say that, on the average, someone who is 40 has had more exposure to music (grocery store muzak, radio, LPs, CD's, movies, video games, live performances, clubs, etc.), than someone who is 20.
Naturally, there is quite a bit of muscle memory and other physical factors involved when learning and playing a musical instrument but even more important is the reservoir of music that is built up inside us. The end goal of playing an instrument is to transfer the music inside of us through our instruments and the larger your musical reservoir, the more you're going to have to say with the instrument.
I teach bass to students of all ages and levels and in my observations, there really isn't much of a connection with a person's age and how fast they pick things up barring factors associated with the extremes on either end. Some grown ups pick it up like gang-busters while some kids struggle and vice-versa. The most noteworthy thing about learning, younger and older, is the learner's attitude about it. The ones that are having fun and love to play will always do better and those qualities are not age-discriminatory.
IMO, there is no "best age to learn and develop". Everyone is different and everyone develops in their own time and in their own way. For all of us, there's only the present so the best time to start playing an instrument is the present.
I hear you but, if you get some lessons and do it correctly, playing the drums should not put wear and tear on your body. Same story with the bass. Doing either incorrectly could cause injury, whether or not you are at your recommended weight.
Hi,
I seldom post but could not resist this one. I am 54 years of age. It always stuns me when I here people limit themselves due to age. Society has really done a good job of mind-screwing up when it comes to age. I first picked up the bass in 1968, played for about five years, then stopped until about seven years ago.
The problem with the mind and body is not age, it is lack of use. I have found that my progress is directly proportional to the amount of practice I put into the instrument. Today we have athletes playing at the highest levels into their forties. You mentioned that you are no longer "a buck seventy-five", Why not?! We loose because we do not use. One of the best things you can do for your mind is to try something completely new. A healthy mind is capable of learning until you draw your last breath. You also bring maturity and a sense of purpose to this endeavor that a younger guy does not poses.
In addition, it is so much easier to learn the bass today than when I started at the age of fifteen; the electronic world is a great thing. No longer do you have to listen to distorted vinyl trying to learn parts. It is so much easier to record and listen to yourself today. We tend to think that it is the natural course of nature for us to decline mentally and physical with age. This is not wholly true! Today you have 70 year old people running marathons. On a personal note, I had triple bypass surgery in September of 07. The outcome is truly unbelievable. The doctor attributed the outcome to my years of working out, and my attitude about life. Our thought life becomes our reality. If we think we can not do, then we can't.
Play the bass. I would love to be able to play with my son. If you dedicate the practice time you will be amazed at the progress you will make.
Grace and Peace
Maurice (The bedroom Bass Player; but a good one)
I seldom post but could not resist this one. I am 54 years of age. It always stuns me when I here people limit themselves due to age. Society has really done a good job of mind-screwing up when it comes to age. I first picked up the bass in 1968, played for about five years, then stopped until about seven years ago.
The problem with the mind and body is not age, it is lack of use. I have found that my progress is directly proportional to the amount of practice I put into the instrument. Today we have athletes playing at the highest levels into their forties. You mentioned that you are no longer "a buck seventy-five", Why not?! We loose because we do not use. One of the best things you can do for your mind is to try something completely new. A healthy mind is capable of learning until you draw your last breath. You also bring maturity and a sense of purpose to this endeavor that a younger guy does not poses.
In addition, it is so much easier to learn the bass today than when I started at the age of fifteen; the electronic world is a great thing. No longer do you have to listen to distorted vinyl trying to learn parts. It is so much easier to record and listen to yourself today. We tend to think that it is the natural course of nature for us to decline mentally and physical with age. This is not wholly true! Today you have 70 year old people running marathons. On a personal note, I had triple bypass surgery in September of 07. The outcome is truly unbelievable. The doctor attributed the outcome to my years of working out, and my attitude about life. Our thought life becomes our reality. If we think we can not do, then we can't.
Play the bass. I would love to be able to play with my son. If you dedicate the practice time you will be amazed at the progress you will make.
Grace and Peace
Maurice (The bedroom Bass Player; but a good one)
I haven't posted here much, yet, either. But I found so much identification with this thread that I couldn't NOT say anything.
I turn 45 this year, as well, and just picked up the bass 3 months ago to noodle around with it on my own and have had a hard time keeping it from taking over my whole life. It's so much fun I keep finding excuses to practice.
Now I just need to figure out what kind of instructor and lessons to get so that the bad habits I'm likely starting don't get any worse.
Good luck and enjoy!
Mike
I turn 45 this year, as well, and just picked up the bass 3 months ago to noodle around with it on my own and have had a hard time keeping it from taking over my whole life. It's so much fun I keep finding excuses to practice.
Now I just need to figure out what kind of instructor and lessons to get so that the bad habits I'm likely starting don't get any worse.
Good luck and enjoy!
Mike
I did the same last December at 55. I'm taking lessons with Ariane Cap at musicvirtuosity.com. She is GREAT!. Very methodical. She is a real teacher. Not just a player teaching so he/she can survive. I highly recommend her.
Hi folks,
Well, the years have gotten away from me and now at the ripe old age of 44 am I tossing around the idea of learning the bass so I am looking for some experienced advice. I have always loved the bass guitar from my teen years on and have never played a musical instrument.
I am also interested in the drums and feel I would be good at it, but at my age I fear the wear and tear on my body would not be too pretty...plus I believe the learning curve is probably longer for drums. Anyway, as I mentioned, I have never played an instrument but my 10 yr. old son is taking guitar lessons and I pick up little bits and pieces here and there from his lessons (although I don't pay attention to it to the degree that he does-after all he is taking the lessons not me. lol)
So, can you guys fill me in on the difficulty level to learn bass guitar? Of course, at my age I'm not out looking to shred the world with a metal band or anything so that isn't my ambition. Mainly to play rock classics with an older group, or a church group and to jam a little with my son. I know I would need to practice, but again at my age with a family I won't be spending hours a night like some younger guys can.
Also, what kind of questions should I ask a potential teacher to make sure they are a good fit for my goals, etc?
Thanks for any help.
you are never too old to learn i say this because i know 46year old who just joined in the music school i study at a term back ,ie 3months, and is doing pretty well on the piano
so lets funk!
I say go for it
I am 54 and my credo is "challenge myself in every way every day"
That includes learning bass, riding my motorbikes, building motorbikes, sailing, crossword & Sudoku puzzles, art, adventure holidays, reading stuff, watching stuff, working etc...........
....but maybe most importantly....a bit of everyday exercise and decent food intake to keep body and soul in a good fit state to take on any challenges.
It works for me so cut the age malarky and get on with it.
BTW - I dont go to Church and I enjoy a few drinks (esp Beer & Margaritas)
I am 54 and my credo is "challenge myself in every way every day"
That includes learning bass, riding my motorbikes, building motorbikes, sailing, crossword & Sudoku puzzles, art, adventure holidays, reading stuff, watching stuff, working etc...........
....but maybe most importantly....a bit of everyday exercise and decent food intake to keep body and soul in a good fit state to take on any challenges.
It works for me so cut the age malarky and get on with it.
BTW - I dont go to Church and I enjoy a few drinks (esp Beer & Margaritas)
go for it,
you and your son can work and learn together.
Too old for drums?
that's like saying "too old for a cardio workout" If anything it'll get you in better shape.
you and your son can work and learn together.
Too old for drums?
that's like saying "too old for a cardio workout" If anything it'll get you in better shape.
You're definitely not to old, like im sure everyone else has told you.
As for difficulty, I've always said that learning to play bass is easy, being good at playing bass is hard. Its one of the easiest instruments to just play, but to be good at it, takes alot of talent, dedication and hardwork.
As for difficulty, I've always said that learning to play bass is easy, being good at playing bass is hard. Its one of the easiest instruments to just play, but to be good at it, takes alot of talent, dedication and hardwork.
Man I thought you would be like 70 or so asking a question like that.
Look I leanred when I was 10-15 yrs old, dropped it, and relearned from 43-47 yrs old, current.
Only real difference is that my mid life is chocka full of adult garbage now, money, numbers, fact, figures, DEPENDENTS, that I'm not learning as fast as I did when it was nothing but bass, football and my Chevy.
But having been around the block a million times in the past 25 years, I think I can smell the groove much better.
Oh forget to mention. I picked it back up, in part, to cure some arthritic, or stiff, hands. Works like a charm. Got most of my old chops back (working on the theory part more now), and went from lessons to a band in short order.
Look I leanred when I was 10-15 yrs old, dropped it, and relearned from 43-47 yrs old, current.
Only real difference is that my mid life is chocka full of adult garbage now, money, numbers, fact, figures, DEPENDENTS, that I'm not learning as fast as I did when it was nothing but bass, football and my Chevy.
But having been around the block a million times in the past 25 years, I think I can smell the groove much better.
Oh forget to mention. I picked it back up, in part, to cure some arthritic, or stiff, hands. Works like a charm. Got most of my old chops back (working on the theory part more now), and went from lessons to a band in short order.
Go for it. I'm 31, just getting into bass AND I plan on conquering the world with my metal band. I played drums for all of my teenage years and I find that I am so much more committed, focused, and of course mature now. If only I had been like this back then....
Go for it!!!!
Go for it!!!!
Im 62 and started playing the bass again after 40 years, My lead guitar player is 61 and my singer is 75... we only play once a month .... never enough for me... rock on.
I bought a bass and started learning a few years ago when my daughter was taking guitar lessons.
I'm coming up for the big 50 soon and now playing in a classic rock covers band with my 19 year old son on drums.
Go for it!
I'm coming up for the big 50 soon and now playing in a classic rock covers band with my 19 year old son on drums.
Go for it!
butchblack
Life is short. Do good. Find and do what you love.
Like a lot of posters I started somewhat late, picking up bass in my late 20's getting into a part time band in my mid 30's stopped playing for about 14 years moved back to Boston picked up the bass again. After about a year I was back to a level where I could hit blues jams and feel comfortable. Did a little pick up work then finally landed a gig with a part time band. I'm not even the old guy, the keyboard player/ leader is 62 (I'm 57). Also, depending on what I had for breakfast I'm a buck over the buck seventy five. Other then a reluctance to moving a lot of heavy gear (I now have a relatively light and portable rig) my weight is not an issue. Age is a mindset. When I think I'm too old to do the things I love, then I am too old and I hope the good Lord is ready to take me then.
A suggestion on finding a bass teacher. Find one that you're comfortable with. I was lucky in that I had two good bass teachers early on, teachers that I was comfortable with. Especially in the beginning most bass teachers will have useful instruction, comfort level may be the difference between sticking with it or not.
Also, work on training your ear to hear the bass parts of songs. That will help in picking up tunes later on
Good luck on this adventure.
Welll....I'm getting closer to taking the dive! My son is switching to drums so I'm going to make sure he wants to stick with it. I think my plan (initially, anyway) is to get a bass and start off learning what I can on my own, and then hopefully get in with my son's music studio when they get an opening at a decent hour. This will give me some time to learn some basics and get used to things on my own in the beginning.
